Folding tie

ABSTRACT

An improved tie system for organizing and detachably securing moveable articles comprises a folding tie. The tie includes a foldable support element ( 20 ) having opposing sides and having both a male fastener patch ( 22 ) and a female fastener patch ( 23 ) such as hook-and-loop fasteners, on both opposing sides. Two fastener patches of complementary gender are located opposite one or more folding zones ( 24 ). The tie folds to enfold one or more articles ( 27 ) and detachably engages male and female fastener elements located on the same side of the support element. Upon folding the tie, the fastener elements of the tie engage in a releasable couple, and an article is thereby held and secured inside the fold. The folded tie may be collected with others of its own kind, in weakly-secure clusters, and also may be anchored and labeled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field

[0005] The present invention relates to apparatus for organizing andsecuring articles, and particularly to such apparatus for organizing andsecuring flexible elongate articles, such as cables, cords, tubing,laces, and the like.

[0006] 2. Prior Art

[0007] It is well known that users have experienced many difficultieswith tangled and misidentified cables, and other elongate articles.These difficulties have produced a multitude of different devicesintended to assist in managing such articles. Examples of such devicesin historical and common use are string, adhesive-backed tape,twist-ties, clips, wraps, ties, holders, spools, sheaths, etc. Despitethe large number of such devices, none of them have appreciated theadvantages of weak securement for light-duty applications, such ascomputer cables. Additionally, in spite of the fact that electronicscables often look identical, thus raising a question as to theiridentity and appropriate connectivity, few of the devices for cablesecurement could be labeled to record and convey the identity or purposeof the cables. Moreover, in spite of the fact that cables are widelyconsidered ugly, none of the cable-securement devices provided adornmentor otherwise improved the aesthetics of gathered and secured cables.

[0008] String

[0009] String or twine (often waxed) is commonly used to manageelongated articles and it has many advantages, such as availability inbulk lengths, which may be cut to a specific length as needed. String isalso reusable, reversible after untying, and it may be tied to itself,or joined to other lengths of string.

[0010] However, string suffers from numerous disadvantages. It must betied, and knots are often hard to tie, especially in awkward orconstrained locations. They are frustrating and time-consuming to untie,especially after becoming hardened with time and exposure to theelements. String is also difficult to use in poor light conditions, orby someone with bad eyesight. String is wrapped and knotted, whichnormally requires two hands and good dexterity. Knotted string alsotypically provides an excessive degree of securement, and may not bereleased by simply tugging on the cables it secures. Tugged cables maydamage equipment and cause a loss. Hence, string is largely unsuited toapplications such as computer cables, which need to be lightly securedso they can be loosened by gentle tugging. An additional problem is thatstring itself does not readily provide a label for the article itsecures.

[0011] Adhesive-Backed Tape

[0012] Adhesive-backed tape is sometimes used to manage cables and otherelongate articles. Among many other useful features, such tape may besupplied in bulk, and cut to length as desired. Tape may be intuitivelyused by simply folding it onto itself, across the cable, in such a waythat the adhesive surfaces contact and bind to each other inside thefold. Tape may also be written on to identify the cables it holds.However, adhesive tape suffers from numerous disadvantages. Commonone-sided tape has adhesive on one side only, hence it is notreversible. I.e., it will only close when folded in one direction. Tapeis often difficult to remove and frequently provides excessivesecurement. Tape commonly leaves a sticky residue after removal.

[0013] Twist-Ties

[0014] Another device for managing cables is a length of malleable wire,sandwiched or covered on both sides with adhering strips of paper orvinyl, commonly known as a “twist-tie.” Twist-ties are easy to use bysimply folding them across the article to be held, and twisting the tieto close it. They are adjustable, reusable, and may be folded inmultiple directions. They may be readily labeled by marking on the papercover. Twist-ties can also be joined together to form longer ties, orjoined together in branched or furcated forms. Twist-ties also attach toother twist-ties, serving to gather the articles they hold into groupsor clusters. Another feature of twist-ties is that they may be providedin a long roll, and cut to length as desired. However, twist-ties areoften troublesome to open because this requires more twisting. Moreover,it is difficult to discern the direction of twisting required forremoval. The wire core can be thin, and thus have dangerously sharpends. The wire core can become fatigued and break after a few uses.Twist-ties also provide excessive securement, which may not be releasedby gentle tugging.

[0015] Clips, Brackets, and Guides

[0016] Clips, brackets, guides, and the like, are often used to secureextended or coiled cables, whereby one or more clips are attached to ananchoring surface, and the cable is held at one or more points along itslength. One such clip-like device is sometimes called a cable catch. Itis constructed with hook-and-loop fabric, and has both male (hook) andfemale (loop) on the same side of the open device. The two genders arejuxtaposed across an axis of folding, so that the device joins hook toloop when it is folded. The closure is thus secured by joining the hookto the loop adjacent the folding axis, thereby holding an article in thefold. The device uses an adhesive to anchor it.

[0017] When anchored by an adhesive, such clip-like devices provideexcessively secure anchoring, from which the cables may not be freed bygentle tugging. Moreover, such adhesive devices cannot be moved with thecables when they are moved to another location, or when placed instorage. Such devices only have fasteners on one folding surface. Hencethey will close only when folded in one direction. Such devices are notprovided in bulk and hence may not be made to the desired size andshape; rather they are only available as discreet devices of limitedsizes.

[0018] Knot Securement Devices.

[0019] A securement device utilizing a folding element equipped withreleasable touch-surface fastener as its closure mechanism is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,291,439 to Riti, 1981. This device is used to secure ashoelace and to keep the knot from becoming accidentally untied. Thedevice consists of a flat, foldable strip with both hook and loop on oneside (in co-planar juxtaposition). The hook and loop members arejuxtaposed across a single axis of folding, so that the device willclose when folded, and will enfold and hold a knot placed in the fold.Riti uses simple folding for closure, and his device holds an articleinside the fold, thereby securing it. Riti's device is easy toconstruct, using commonly available materials, and is simple to operateby folding and unfolding. The device is anchored by an accessory lacepassing through a hole in a laterally extending integral flap.

[0020] However, Riti's device is not intended to work together withothers of its kind to manage multiple articles, but rather is a single,stand-alone device intended to secure a single knotted lace, as on ashoe. Moreover, Riti's device is not provided in bulk length; rather itis only provided in one size, adequate to accommodate a knottedshoelace. It requires a structural modification, in the form of a flapwith a hole, and an accessory lace, to anchor it. Another disadvantageis that it only has fasteners located on one side. Hence it closes whenfolded in one direction only.

[0021] Article Holders

[0022] Re-configurable article holders may be made from flexible strapshaving hook-and-loop releasable touch-surface fastener elements. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,076 to Goodall, 1992, shows a substantiallyT-shaped wearable device which may be selectively configured by wrappingor folding to hold an article, and secured in the closed form byengagement of hook fastener to loop fastener.

[0023] Devices such as Goodall's have a complex construction, beingformed as a T-shaped element with complex placement of the gendered hookand loop fastener members, and also require multiple steps to close andopen the device. Such article holders do not work with others of theirown kind, and do not permit the clustering, or modularinter-attachability, of held articles.

[0024] Cable Wraps and Bundling Ties

[0025] Numerous different cable wraps, often referred to as “bundlingties,” or simply “ties,” are used for managing slack lengths gathered inlooped coils, or arrayed in parallel strands. Such devices are typicallyflexible straps which utilize touch-surface fasteners, such ashook-and-loop, for closure. One such wrap is seen in U.S. Pat. No.5,604,961 to Cole, 1997, which uses an elongate strap, with hookfastener elements on one side, and loop fastener elements on the otherside. The strap is wrapped around an article, and then wrapped ontoitself, whereby it is closed by connecting the hooks on one side of theflat strap, to the loops on the other side. Thereby wrapping around, andholding, one or more articles. Such wraps may be provided in bulk form,consisting of a continuous roll of hook (male) backed with loop(female), which may be cut to length as desired.

[0026] Such common securement wraps provide excessive securement.Additionally, such ties are not useful for securing cables innon-parallel, crossed, or coiled, arrangements, but rather are onlyuseful for bundling cables together in a parallel array. A considerabledisadvantage to the majority of existing bundling ties is that few ofthem utilize folding as the sole operation of closure; rather theytypically require wrapping. This requirement of wrapping-to-close is adistinct disadvantage. Wrapping, when compared to folding, is difficultto achieve, since wrapping requires two hands, and sight.Wrapping-to-close, and unwrapping-to-open is impractical in the crampedand dimly lit locations where cables are commonly found.

[0027] Cable wraps and bundling ties have other disadvantages as well.Some are not reusable. Many are intended only for storage conditions,and have no ability to manage cables in use. Many are attached to asingle cable only, while others may be used with separated cables, orwith bundles of groups of multiple cables. Many prior-art devicesrequire a buckle, clasp, cinch-ring, or other accessory component tosecure their closure. Many are of complicated construction, and requiremodifications to secure the device in its closed form. Modificationstake the form of slits, slots, tabs, notches, holes, Y-shaped elements,etc. Such structural modifications have a complicated and relativelyexpensive construction, and the devices are inconvenient to use,requiring two hands. Multi-step closure mechanisms are typicallydifficult to open, because opening requires multiple steps. Few cablewraps are reversible in their method of closing, i.e., they close inonly one direction of operation, and are not capable of closing whenoperated in a generally reverse direction.

[0028] Few of the cable wraps or bundling ties of the prior art alsoanchor the articles they hold.

[0029] Few cable wraps provide an easy way to label the articles theyhold. Where labeling is needed, it must be provided by a separatedevice, which does not secure the article.

[0030] Few cable wraps or bundling ties are made and distributed inbulk, but are supplied as discrete devices. This does not allow the userto easily fashion a device of the desired size and shape.

[0031] Some ties must be dedicated to the cable they secure, whileothers are removable for use with a different cable. Most ties that maybe readily secured to a cable are not easily removable.

[0032] Many of the cable wraps or bundling ties of the prior art must beseen to be used, and so are of limited value for people with pooreyesight, or where the device cannot be clearly seen for reasons oflighting, or location. This is a significant disadvantage of many cableties, since cables are often installed in dark or hard-to-reach places.

[0033] Another disadvantage of common bundling ties is that they willnot easily allow the held articles to be releasably inter-attached toone another, i.e., clustered together, in a modular fashion. Thisdisadvantage exists because most ties and wraps do not attach to othersof their own kind while they are in the closed form. In the fewinstances where a closed tie may be used with devices of its own kind toform clusters of multiple held articles, the adjacent ties must bewrapped in reverse directions. Otherwise they will all present the samefastener gender on the outside of the closed devices. Hence such wrapsmay not be connected to one another while closed. Thereby preventing theclustering, or inter-attachment, of adjacent closed devices.

[0034] A related problem exists in the general usage of releasabletouch-surface fasteners for anchoring and securement of moveablearticles. In spite of widespread use of two-gender touch-surfacefasteners for anchoring moveable articles, there is no conventionregarding the placement of male and female fasteners in such usage. Doesone put the female gender on the anchoring fixture, or does one put thefemale gender on the moveable article? Lacking such convention, it iscommonly found that when an article having only a single gender fastenerthereon is moved to another location, there is a chance of finding thesame gender fastener on the desired mounting point, thereby preventingcoupling, and rendering the touch-surface fastener useless. There is noway to bridge and interconnect same-gender devices of the prior art.This lack of inter-operability is a real, yet unrecognized, problem,since many devices have same-gender attaching surfaces exposed outwardlyand could be joined in clusters, if the requirement for two differentgenders could be transcended. Strict gender-specificity is an accepted,galling limitation to all of the prior-art devices utilizingtwo-gendered coupling members.

[0035] In addition to the strict requirement for complementary genderson the articles to be joined, another long-accepted limitation ofprior-art devices is the need for direct physical contact betweendevices utilizing touch-surface fasteners. The requirement for contactis problematic, since many articles, such as bundles of stiff wire, orhanks of rope, may be shaped or sized so as to interfere with directsurface contact between the bundling devices that secure them.Accordingly, there is an apparently unrecognized need for a way ofattaching touch-surface fasteners together, where such fasteners may nottouch.

[0036] Further unaddressed is the problem of aesthetics. Wires arecommonly considered to be ugly, yet few prior-art devices are availablefor adorning such wires.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0037] Accordingly one object and advantage of the invention is toprovide an improved folding tie, other objects and advantages are toprovide such a tie which:

[0038] (a) will releasably secure one or more articles;

[0039] (b) is reusable;

[0040] (c) is intuitive to operate;

[0041] (d) does not require wrapping to close;

[0042] (e) utilizes folding as the only necessary operation;

[0043] (f) is removable by unfolding;

[0044] (g) may be closed when folded in multiple directions;

[0045] (h) can be easily labeled;

[0046] (i) uses gendered fasteners for anchoring;

[0047] (j) may be used under conditions of bad visibility;

[0048] (k) may be used by persons with impaired dexterity;

[0049] (l) provides weak securement of the articles it holds;

[0050] (m) may be provided in bulk form and made into any size or shape;

[0051] (n) provides cable management in both storage and use conditions;

[0052] (o) attaches to identical devices while open or closed;

[0053] (p) attaches to any of common touch-surface fastener;

[0054] (q) permits modular inter-attachability, or clustering, ofarticles;

[0055] (r) may be used to secure and discretize individual articles;

[0056] (s) may be dedicated to the securement of a single article;

[0057] (t) may be removed for use with other articles;

[0058] (u) groups multiple articles together in a single bundle, and

[0059] (v) may be used in cramped spaces.

[0060] Further objects and advantages are to provide a folding tie thatis inexpensive and easy to manufacture in any size, shape, and color; isfun and safe to use; which will readily allow modifications such aspins, ties, tabs or clips for improved form or function; adorns orobscures unsightly articles; which will hold non-elongate articles; andthat sparks a synergy with prior-art devices, thereby providing new usesfor existing ties.

[0061] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing drawings and description.

SUMMARY

[0062] An improved article and method for managing articles comprisesone or more folding ties, each comprised of a support element, havingboth genders of a releasable touch-surface gendered fastener, such ashook-and-loop, on both opposing sides, with the two complementary matingelements located equidistant from one another across an axis of folding.The device is used by folding it, to join male fastener to femalefastener to form a releasable couple. In use, the tie enfolds and holdsone or more articles. The tie also attaches to others of its own kindwhile in the closed form. The tie can be used to cluster, or modularlyinterattach secured articles. The tie forms clusters with like others,and provides securement, organization, and weak anchoring for thearticle or articles it holds.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0063]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of aflat, two-sided, multiple interconnected segment and multiple gender tie(shown partially unfolded) according to the invention.

[0064]FIG. 2A is a plan view of two interconnected fully unfoldedfolding tie segments of FIG. 1 shown in a common plane.

[0065]FIG. 2B is an edge elevational view of two interconnected andfully unfolded folding tie segments of FIG. 1.

[0066]FIG. 2C is an edge elevational view of two fully unfolded foldingtie segments of FIG. 1.

[0067]FIG. 2D is an edge elevational view of two fully unfolded foldingtie segments of FIG. 1.

[0068]FIG. 3A is a plan view of two independent tie segments having thesame fastener gender arrangement of the tie of FIG. 2A, and having adiscontinuity between segments spanned by a flexible loop.

[0069]FIG. 3B is an edge elevational view of two independent tiesegments having a fastener gender arrangement similar to FIG. 2B, andhaving a discontinuity spanned by a twistable connecting loop.

[0070]FIG. 3C is an edge elevational view of two independentinterconnected tie segments having the same fastener gender arrangementsas the tie of FIG. 2C, and incorporating a discontinuity that is spannedby a twistable connecting element.

[0071]FIG. 3D is an edge elevational view of two independent tiesegments having the same fastener gender arrangement as the tie of FIG.2D and flexibly interconnected by a twistable loop spanning adiscontinuity in the backing element located between the segments.

[0072]FIG. 4 is an edge elevational view of the two-segment folding tieof FIG. 2B, folded about and holding an article.

[0073]FIG. 5 is an edge elevational view of an eight-segment folding tieof FIG. 1, repeatedly folded, in accordion-pleat fashion, for holdingmultiple articles, as both discrete articles, and as grouped multiplearticles.

[0074]FIG. 6 is an edge elevational view of multiple folding ties ofFIGS. 2 and 3, folded closed, joined in clusters consisting of others oftheir own kind.

[0075]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a two-segment folding tie, beingfolded about, and holding an article in storage condition.

[0076]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of two-segment folding tiesbeing folded about multiple articles, and cooperating with one anotheras part of a system of holding articles in the use condition.

[0077]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the folding tie of FIG. 2folded to hold an article and anchored to a fixture by a single patch ofadhesive-backed, gendered releasable-coupling touch surface fastener.

[0078]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the tie used to join twoincompatible cable wraps.

[0079]FIG. 11A is a plan view of the tie with a label added to thesupport element.

[0080]FIG. 11B is an edged elevational view of the tie of FIG. 11A.

[0081]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a tieaccording to the present invention, having multiple interconnectedsegments and multiple genders (shown unfolded) and having orthogonallyrepeating elements of the hook and the loop segments of the tie, with alabel added to the support element.

[0082]FIG. 13A is a plan view of a third preferred embodiment of theinvention, having orthogonally repeating segments of the hook and theloop components of the tie arranged in a pattern suggesting a butterfly(shown completely unfolded).

[0083]FIG. 13B is a plan view of a reverse side of the embodiment shownin FIG. 13A, having both orthogonally and obliquely repeating elementsof the hook and the loop segments of the tie, with multiple labels addedto the support element.

[0084]FIG. 14 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the tie, havingbranched and repeating occurrences of gendered segments of the tiedepicted in FIG. 1, and incorporating multiple discontinuities in theinterconnected segments of the tie (shown completely unfolded).

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0085]20 Support Element

[0086]21 Discontinuity

[0087]22 Male Fastener Member

[0088]23 Female Fastener Member

[0089]24 Fold Zone

[0090]25 Spanning Element

[0091]26 Adhesive Layer

[0092]27 Held Article

[0093]28 Gendered Cable Wrap

[0094]29 Label

[0095]30 Support Element

[0096]31 Discontinuity

[0097]33 Decorative Component

[0098]34 Fold Zone

[0099]35 Spanning Element

[0100]36 Fixed Object

[0101]39 Label

[0102]40 Support Element

[0103]41 Discontinuity

[0104]44 Fold Zone

[0105]54 Fold Zone

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Snake-Like Embodiment—FIG. 1

[0107]FIG. 1 shows a preferred snake-like embodiment of a folding tieaccording to the invention and comprising a generally flat body,consisting of an elongate support element or strip 20, having opposingsides. The support element preferably is made of cloth, such as nylon,but alternatively may be of paper, or other fibrous materials, or ofpolymeric material, such as plastic, or of another woven, twisted, orknitted material, such as, webbing, ribbon, or rope.

[0108] Opposing sides of strip 20 have repeating independent and spacedfields, patches, or sections of both male and female genders of areleasable touch-surface fastener, such as hook-and-loop. Male (hook)and female (loop) patches 22 and 23 respectively, are present on bothsides of strip 20. Male and female patches 22 and 23 may each be formedas a laminate, which may be joined to strip 20 by adhesive, sewing,welding, or other method of affixing the patches to the strip.Alternatively, patches 22 and 23 may be formed as a unitary structurewith strip 20. Both male and female patches 22 and 23 are present onopposing sides of strip 20 in alternating occurrences.

[0109] Patches 22 and 23, when located on the same side of strip 20, arepositioned on opposite sides of one or more fold zones 24, which aredefined by the relative positions of patches 22 and 23, so that foldzone 24 constitutes the area of strip 20 between patches. Patches on thesame side of strip 20 are approximately equidistant in relation to amedian plane perpendicular to fold zone 24. The act of folding strip 20at any fold zone 24 brings male patch 22 into direct contact with femalepatch 23, thereby forming a releasable coupling interface adjacent thefold.

[0110] Fold zones 24 may be created on the area of strip 20 betweenadjacent patches 22 and 23. In lieu of providing the material of strip20 between patches 22 and 23, a gap or discontinuity 21 may be providedbetween two or more patches. Discontinuity 21 is bridged by one or morespanning elements 25, which flexibly interconnect separated segments ofstrip 20 across gaps 21. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and others, spanningelement 25 may be formed by a loop of knotted string or other flexiblefilament. Inclusion of flexible spanning element 25 across gap 21permits the tie to twist and fold where spanning element 25 bridges gap21. Twistable element 25 also imparts conformational flexibility to thetie (as shown in FIG. 14). Twisting-spanning element 25 also permitsvariability in coupling behavior, since opposite sides of the tie maydiffer with regard to the placement and gender of patches 22 and 23.Twisting segments of backing strip 20 at narrow spanning element 25 maychange the same-side gender relations of the tie, relative to patches 22and 23, thereby creating variations in coupling when the tie is foldedat discontinuity 21.

[0111] The long, snake-like tie of FIG. 1 may serve as a long foldingfastener, or may be cut into ties of shorter length. This is illustratedin FIGS. 2A, 3A, and others, where folding ties are illustrated asshorter sub-units cut from the longer tie of FIG. 1. The dimensions ofthe tie are appropriate to the size of the articles being held, and forcables commonly found on personal computers, patches 22 and 23 would beapproximately two to 20 cm (one to eight in) in length and from two to20 cm (one to eight in) in width.

[0112] Folded Forms

[0113] The snake-like embodiment of the tie has an unexpected and usefulproperty when it is constructed of a support element having multiple,regularly spaced segments of repeating fields of male and female patches22 and 23 on opposing sides, as illustrated in FIG. 1. When such a tieis repeatedly folded in alternating directions, at each adjacentfold-zone, it forms an accordion-pleat arrangement. Such a repeatedlyfolded form of the tie will grow in length, to form a semi-rigid,“stack,” as illustrated at the bottom of FIG. 1. If the stack hassufficient length, it will flex and curve, and can be attached toitself, end-to-end, and form a circular, ring-like embodiment (notshown) which has useful applications.

[0114] Folding and Planar Relations—FIGS. 2 and 3

[0115]FIGS. 2A et seq. show the folding and planar relations of patches22 and 23 where fold zone 24 is defined in the area of strip 20, betweenlongitudinally spaced segments or patches of different gender fastenerelements 22 and 23. Fold zone 24 is approximately equidistant betweenthe two chosen spaced patches 22 and 23. FIGS. 2B through 2D illustratethat patches 23 and 22 can be located with identical gender type patchesback-to-back (FIG. 2B), opposite gender type patches back-to-back (FIG.2C), or with blank areas, i.e., just support element 20, backing bothgender type fasteners (FIG. 2D).

[0116] The coupling pair of male patches 22 and female patches 23 on oneside of strip 20 can be located without regard to the placement of themale and female fastener elements on the opposite side of supportelement 20, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0117] In FIGS. 3A et seq. strip 20 has discontinuity 21 between thespaced free ends of support element 20A and 20B. Such ends adjacent gap21 are spanned by substantially narrow, flexible spanning element 25interposed in discontinuity 21. Flexible spanning element 25 permitssupport element 20A to twist freely and independently of support element20B, and to fold at discontinuity 21.

[0118] The tie of FIGS. 3C and 3D may be twisted at narrow spanningelement 25 to vary the arrangement of genders of patches 22 and 23 onthe same side of strip 20, thereby permitting user-selected matingsurfaces when strip 20 is selectively twisted at narrow element 25 andfolded at discontinuity 21.

[0119] The tie of FIG. 3C will fold at discontinuity 21 to connectpatches of male gender (hooks) 22 to patches of female gender (loops)23. However, if discontinuous support element 20A (on the left side ofthe tie of FIG. 3C ) is twisted 180 degrees (at narrow element 25)relative to companion segment 20B (on the right side of FIG. 3C), theresulting tie will not have both male and female fastener elements 22and 23 on both sides. Hence it will not close when folded.

[0120] Similarly, in FIG. 3D, discontinuous element 20A (on the leftside) may be twisted 180 degrees (at element 25) relative todiscontinuous support element 20B (on the right side) to form a tiewhich will not close upon folding at discontinuity 21. Suchuser-selectable variability in closing behavior is useful inapplications where it is desired that the tie not close when folded.Such functionality is uncommon.

[0121] Operation—Folding—FIGS. 4 and 5

[0122]FIG. 4 shows how folding connector strip 20 folds along fold-zone24 to bring male patches 22 and female patches 23 into disengageablecontact. The tie is operated by simple folding, causing direct contactto be made between male and female patches 22 and 23, which are bothlocated on the same side of strip 20. When backing element 20 is foldedat zone 24, the interface of male and female patches 22 and 23 forms areleasable coupling bond in the fold, and the tie is thereby closed.Repeated folding and unfolding at axis 24 results in repeated closingand opening of the tie.

[0123] The folded tie of FIG. 4 holds a moveable article 27, which maybe a ring, wire, hose, pipe, etc. FIG. 4 also shows the presence of bothmale patches and female patches 22 and 23 on the outside of the foldedform. These outside coupling members in FIG. 4 are not shown in use, butcan be easily used to attach another tie (FIGS. 5 and 6) or any patch ofhook or loop fastener. A gendered fastener patch may be affixed to astationary object 36 (FIG. 9), and thereby provide anchoring.

[0124]FIG. 5 shows a segment of the tie of FIG. 1. The tie of FIG. 5 isrepeatedly folded at adjacent fold zones 24 and discontinuity 21,thereby enfolding and holding separate articles 27A through 27E. Whenthe tie is folded at a fold zone 24 or a discontinuity 21 it will holdarticles 27 by enfolding and securing them, using the bond ofmale-to-female patches 22 to 23, respectively, and detachably forming areleasable couple inside the fold. Enfolding holds articles 27, andfurthermore provides a way to organize such articles in an improvedfashion; by clustering and anchoring them. FIG. 5 also shows that asingle fold may hold large or small articles 27 which may be weaklyanchored, and easily unsecured by tugging.

[0125] Operation—Bundling and Discretizing—FIGS. 5 and 6

[0126]FIG. 5 illustrates that multiple articles 27 may be gathered andheld in a bundle by the tie. Additionally, articles 27A, 27B and 27D maybe secured as discrete singles, and held apart, separated from otherarticles held by the tie. FIG. 5 also illustrates that a single tie maybe used to secure articles in groups of multiple articles (27E and 27C).FIG. 6 shows articles 27A, 27C, and 27D held as discrete individuals, inseparate closures of individual ties. FIG. 6 also shows that collectedgroups of multiple articles 27B and 27E may be bundled together and heldby a single fold of an individual tie.

[0127] Operation—Clustering—FIG. 6

[0128]FIG. 6 shows several ties similar to the ties depicted in FIGS. 2Aand 3A that are clustered together and holding articles 27. The ties ofFIG. 6 are folded, at zone 24 and discontinuity 21, to hold article 27.When folded closed, the tie has both patches 22 and 23 on the outside ofthe folded form; therefore the tie will releasably adhere to others ofits own kind while in the closed form. Patches 22 and 23, which areoutwardly exposed, impart modular inter-attachability between multipleties, and hence, the unique ability to cluster together articles 27 thatare enfolded and held by the ties shown in FIG. 6. Clustering providessimple, weak securement of articles 27. The characteristic clusteringbehavior of the tie allows articles 27 to be attached to either patches22 or 23 in an easily formed, weakly secure, cluster from which they maybe released by simply tugging on article 27 or by tugging on the tie.

[0129] Operation—Holding—FIGS. 7 and 8

[0130]FIG. 7 depicts a tie securing cable 27, shown in the coiledcondition, as for storage. So held, cable 27 may be joined to anyoccurrence of fastener patch 22 or 23. FIG. 8 depicts two ties holdingmultiple cables 27, illustrated as an extended group of several cables27 in the in-use condition. So folded, and having both fastener patches22 and 23 on the outside of the folded form, the tie may be joined toany of patches 22 or 23. The cables held in this fashion my be releasedby tugging.

[0131] A single long tie will hold a coiled cable (not shown) atmultiple points on a circular coil in such a way that the cable willretain its neatly coiled form during rough handling. The securement of acoil at multiple points, using only a single tie, is believed to be anovel feature in cable management, since such coils have heretofore beensecured at only a single point, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0132] Operation—Anchoring—FIG. 9

[0133]FIG. 9 shows how the tie anchors articles to a fixture 36. Thepresence of both male (hook) and female (loop) patches 22 and 23,exposed on the outside of the folded tie, imparts the ability to anchorthe tie by attaching it to any corresponding patches of common hook orloop patches 22 or 23. When the tie is folded closed to enfold and holdone or more articles 27, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be joined to ananchor point, consisting of a stationary female patch 23, therebyforming a releasable couple and anchoring article 27. Such anchoringpatches may be permanently joined to a fixed object 36, such as a wall,using adhesive 26, or another fastener, such as a nail or staple (notshown). By making use of common hook-and-loop fasteners, the tieprovides relatively weak and easily removable anchoring from which cable27 may be pulled loose by simple tugging. FIG. 9 shows female patch 23as the anchor attached with adhesive 26 to fixture 36. In practice,adhesive-backed patch (either male or female) 22 or 23 will anchor thetie, since the folding tie has both genders on the outside of the foldedform. Tugging will release the cable; the tie need not be untied.

[0134] Operation—Spatial Bridging and Gender Bridging—FIG. 10

[0135] The tie, having both fastener patches 22 and 23 exposedoutwardly, joins with compatible gendered devices of the prior art, aswell as to others of its own kind, so the folding tie workssynergistically with existing devices, solving prior inoperabilitybetween devices used to manage slack cables and wires.

[0136] In its unfolded form, the tie has both patches 22 and 23 on bothsides of strip 20. FIG. 10 illustrates the ability of the tie to bridgethe space between two gendered fasteners. The tie bridges the spacebetween common gendered cable wraps 28A and 28B and joins them. I.e.,two prior-art cable wraps 28A and 28B are joined together withoutactually touching one another, by making use of the tie as anintermediary member serving as a spatial bridge.

[0137]FIG. 10 also illustrates the gender-bridging capability of thetie. Two common gendered cable wraps 28A and 28B, both of which arewrapped closed, and have the same female gender fastener member 23 ontheir exposed surfaces. In spite of gender incompatibility, wraps 28Aand 28B are joined together in a modular cluster, by using the foldingtie, in its unfolded form, as a bridge. The joining of like-genderedcable wraps 28 was formerly considered impossible, yet is possible withthe present tie.

[0138] The trans-gender and spatial bridging utility of the tierepresents an improvement to the usefulness of, and a synergy with,gendered prior-art ties, and provides an improvement to the art ofmanaging cables, and other such light-duty applications.

[0139] Operation—Labeling—FIGS. 11A and 11B

[0140]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate that labeling can be readily providedon and by the tie. Strip 20 may be used to provide a label 29 on thetie. Label 29 can be used to record and convey information, such asidentity, source, destination, time, notes, etc., and may includeconventional lettering or numbering. Such a label may also utilizemachine-readable code, such as bar coding (shown in FIGS. 12, 13B and14). The label may be pad-like, with appropriate indicia, as shown, orit may comprise indicia integrated, or applied directly to strip 20. Thetie of FIGS. 11A and 11B, having both male and female fastener patches23 and 22 adjacent fold zone 24, may be used to enfold and hold anyarticle, and provide all of the useful benefits of the tie, or it mayprovide uncommon utility as an easily attachable, and easily removable,reusable label for another gendered device.

[0141] Sheet-Like Embodiment—FIG. 12

[0142]FIG. 12 shows a sheet-like embodiment of the tie. The tiecomprises a two-dimensional, substantially flat, support element 30,having both male and female patches 23 and 22 on both sides, arrayed inrows and columns. Sheet 30 utilizes polymeric, woven, knitted, fibrousor other foldable support material extending in longitudinal and lateraldirections. Sheet 30 has adjacent, repeating segments or fields of male(hooks) and female (loops) patches 22 and 23, in a co-planar arrangementon both sides of sheet 30, with male and female patches 22 and 23longitudinally and laterally spaced across adjacent fold zones 34.

[0143] Sheet 30 folds at one or more zones 34 to join male fastenerpatches 22 to female fastener patches 23, inside the fold, and so mayhold one or more articles in each fold. When folded, the tie has bothpatches 22 and 23 of the gendered pair on the outside. Hence, thefolded, i.e., closed, tie will releasably engage another patch of eithergender 22 or 23.

[0144] The sheet shown in FIG. 12 may be used to secure articles, andalso may be used as a bulk material to create smaller folding ties,which may be cut from the bulk material to make smaller sizes anddifferent shapes. The tie illustrated in FIG. 2A may be cut from thebulk form of the folding tie illustrated in FIG. 12. In addition toproviding material for cutting to smaller size, the sheetlike embodimentshown in FIG. 12 has all of the characteristics and useful properties ofthe tie, including the ability to secure and manage moveable articles,as previously described. The tie of FIG. 12 may be folded, at one ormore fold zones 34, to enfold one or more articles. While so folded, andwhile enfolding and holding one or more articles, the tie may befastened to either patches 22 or 23 to provide anchoring for thearticle. The sheet-like tie of FIG. 12 may be of any dimensions, as itis used to provide bulk source material for making smaller ties.

[0145] In bulk applications for providing ties for managing computercables, backing element 30 may be continuous, and fastener patches 22and 23 can be approximately two to 20 cm (one to 8 in) in length andfrom approximately two to 20 cm (one to 8 in) in width. The sheet-liketie of FIG. 12 may be used to secure one or more articles, and wherebacking element 30 is of relatively much greater size than the articleit secures, the folded tie may entirely engulf one or more articlesinside a fold. The tie of FIG. 12 also has label 39 added to supportelement 30.

[0146] Decorative Embodiment—FIG. 13

[0147] A preferred decorative embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A and 13Bshows a tie having aesthetic value. The tie of FIG. 13 suggests an imageof a butterfly. Backing element 40 is formed in the shape of butterflywings. An additional decorative component 33 is added to suggest animage of the body and antennae of a butterfly. Decoration 33 may alsoprovide label 39, as shown in FIG. 13B. FIGS. 13A and 13B show oppositesides of the same tie in plan view, illustrating the variability of theback-to-back, and same-side, arrangement of segments of fastener patches22 and 23.

[0148] For labeling, securing, and ornamenting cables of the kindassociated with computers, the backing element of the tie shown in FIG.13 can be from about 10 to 20 cm (three to 8 in) in width and from aboutfive to 20 cm (two to eight in) in height. The size and arrangement offastener patches 22 and 23 varies with the pattern, or suggested image,created by the segments of fastener patches.

[0149]FIG. 13A illustrates an orthogonal pattern, suggesting themarkings on a butterfly's wings, created by placement of patches of maleand female fastener elements 22 and 23, respectively, on backing element40. Element 40 folds at zones 24 and 44 to join patches of male fastener22 to patches of female fastener 23.

[0150]FIG. 13B illustrates patches of male and female 22 and 23 placedin an oblique and irregular arrangement on the left side of element 40.The right side of element 40 shows an orthogonal arrangement of fastenerpatches 22 and 23. The irregular arrangement of fastener patches 22 and23, on the left side of element 40, causes this tie to have an irregulararrangement of folding axes 54. The tie of FIG. 13B will join malefastener patches 22 to female fastener patches 23 when folded at one ormore fold zones 24, 34, 44 or 54 and may selectively enfold andselectively hold one or more articles.

[0151]FIG. 13B also shows label 39 on backing support element 40 as wellas on decorative component 33.

[0152] The tie of FIGS. 13A and 13B may also be attached to an ordinarygendered cable wrap having either exposed gender, thereby providingornamental aesthetic as well as gender bridging, spatial bridging,anchoring, labeling, and other useful benefits.

[0153] Branched Embodiment—FIG. 14

[0154]FIG. 14 shows a star-like, or branched, preferred embodiment ofthe tie. The tie is constructed from materials and components which aresubstantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, and has similardimensions. FIG. 14 shows several lengths of strip 20 including afurcated form, with alternating segments of fastener patches 22 and 23.FIG. 14 shows that strip 20 may be discontinuous, as previouslydiscussed relating to FIGS. 3A to 3D, with discontinuity 21 spanned byflexible element 25. Discontinuity 21, spanned by flexible element 25,permits both folding and twisting of support element 20. This twistingand folding axis 21 is seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and others. Narrow flexibleelement 25 is illustrated as a loop of string, which may be of anylength, as shown by loop 25A, which is a longer loop of knotted stringshown spanning discontinuity 41. Flexible connector 25 may also be madeof two crossed filamentous strands (not shown), or a single straightfilament (not shown), or swivels (not shown), or links, or any twistableelement providing a spanning interconnection of segments of supportelements 20 across gap 21 between segments 20.

[0155] The center of FIG. 14 also shows composite folding twisting loops35 interconnecting multiple segments of support element 20 where supportelement 20 is interrupted by discontinuity 31. Flexible-twisting loops35 are shown in the center of FIG. 14 as several loops of string linkedtogether and joining multiple converging discontinuous segments or armsof strip 20. Spanning elements 35 interconnect elongate arms of strip 20radiating outwardly from the central point of discontinuity 31 like thelegs of a spider, or the rays of a star.

[0156]FIG. 14 shows that such a furcated tie may be constructed, inwhole or in part, with continuous strip 20 having no discontinuities.The star-like embodiment folds at zones 24 and at discontinuities 21, 31and 41, joining male fastener patches 22 to female fastener patches 23,forming a releasable couple to enfold and hold one or more articles. Thetie of FIG. 14 will fold repeatedly at folding axes 24, and at gaps 21,31 and 41. Each branch of the tie may form a releasable couple with anyother branch; hence the tie is useful for holding rounded ornon-elongate articles of any size or shape. The tie of FIG. 14 is alsouseful for securing together multiple cables which are in non-parallelarrangement.

[0157] The tie shown in FIG. 14 also has label 39 added to supportelement 20, as well as label 39A added to support element 20A. The tieof FIG. 14 readily provides identification, weak securement, anchoring,and clustering, as well as a trans-gender bridge, and a spatial bridge,thereby manifesting unique characteristics.

[0158] Conclusion

[0159] It will thus be seen that the tie folds to hold articles instorage or use. The tie is simple to construct and use, and providesholding, clustering, anchoring, and labeling for one or more articles.The tie may be provided in bulk form, to be sized and shaped as desired.It is infinitely adjustable to provide for the weak securement ofarticles of any size or shape and easily opens to permit removal orrearrangement of the articles held. The tie is reusable, has a longlifespan, and is well suited to temporary or permanent installation inhard-to-reach places.

[0160] In addition to the easy labeling ability it offers, the tie maybe used to provide adornment, and to improve the appearance of unsightlyarticles, such as computer cables.

[0161] When constructed with hook-and-loop fasteners, the tie is easyand inexpensive to make. It is also safe to use, and it makes a goodtoy.

[0162] Because it does not need knotting or wrapping to close, the tieis easy to use in cramped spaces, or in bad lighting conditions, and maybe closed with one hand, even by someone with impaired dexterity.

[0163] The tie requires only the single, simple, intuitive step offolding to close. It does not require an additional accessory componentto close, nor does it require special structural modifications to close.It uses the simplest arrangement of gendered surface fasteners to close,and also to anchor the tie. Hence, anchoring the tie requires nostructural modifications, or added accessories, and needs only thesingle operational step of touching it to either gender of atouch-surface fastener.

[0164] The tie is useful for grouping multiple articles together in asingle bundle, grouping multiple bundles together, or holding discreteindividual articles apart from one another. Anything the tie holds maybe collected in clusters with other ties. Such clustered cables need notbe arranged in parallel orientation, but may be arrayed in crossed orcoiled orientation.

[0165] In addition to simply folding, the tie can be provided with atwisting axis comprising a freely-twisting narrow spanning elementcrossing a discontinuity in the support element. The inclusion of thisspanned discontinuity in the support element constitutes a previouslyunsuggested modification to foldable cable management devices. Thenarrow flexible connector joining two discontinuous adjacent segments ofthe support element permits the free twisting of the segments inrelation to one another and imparts conformational flexibility to thetie. The same loop used to enable twisting also permits users to threada connecting strand through such loops of the tie, thereby providinganother way to anchor the tie, or of connecting multiple ties together,or attaching a label. The tie provides new and unusual capabilities forthe practice of managing moveable articles, providing an unprecedentedability to easily manage articles such as computer cables, as well asproviding a welcome and much needed addition to existing materials andpractices of slack management. There are numerous methods for managingslack, elongate articles, however no known prior-art devices alsoprovide weak holding, clustering, anchoring, and labeling for sucharticles.

[0166] In terms of ease of use and utility, the tie may be considered tocombine the usefulness of a twist tie with that of adhesive tape. Thetie goes further to provide other much-needed capabilities neglected byexisting art.

[0167] Even more unusual properties of the tie are manifest in therepeatedly-folded, ring-like form, which may be handled or stored byusing the open center of the ring, into which an article or fixture maybe inserted. Alternatively, the ring can be releasably formed around anarticle or fixture, for easy storage or handling. Moreover, when the tieis made into the ring-like form, all of the mating surfaces areoccupied, so the ring-like form may be stored loosely with otherhook-and-loop devices, without the fasteners unintentionally engagingone another. The tie manifests unusual properties in use.

[0168] The tie works synergistically with currently-installed cablewraps that utilize common touch-surface fasteners. The unique propertyof having both genders on both sides imparts bridging utility thatenables presently impossible uses for common cable wraps, therebypermitting previously unknown uses of prior-art devices.

[0169] Because the tie has both genders on both sides, and may be of anythickness, or shape, or length, it will bridge the gap between otherjoining surfaces. The strict and galling requirement for direct physicalcontact between touch-surface fasteners is an unquestioned limitation,and an apparently unrecognized problem, that is solved by the tie.

[0170] The tie also provides gender-bridging, permitting previouslyimpossible combinations of hook-and-loop to be used, and solving anotherunrecognized problem, i.e., the strict requirement of gendercompatibility between gendered fasteners. The strict need for gendercompatibility makes conventional hook-and-loop fasteners impractical formany applications. By way of illustration of this very real, butunrecognized, problem, it is increasingly common to use conventionaladhesive-backed hook-and-loop fasteners to mount lightweight moveablearticles such as remote-control units, accessories, etc., to a fixture,such as a wall, work bench, article of furniture, etc. Although it isvery handy for temporarily mounting something, such use is restricted bythe unquestioned and unavoidable requirement for a male fastener (hooks)to be on one surface, and a female fastener (loops) on the other. Thereis no accepted convention regarding the placement of hook-and-loop onsuch articles. It is commonly found that when an article having a singlegender fastener member thereon is moved to another location, there is anequal chance of finding an identical gender fastener member on themounting fixture, thereby preventing the desired coupling and renderingthe fasteners useless.

[0171] The folding tie, having both genders on both sides, provides agender-positive bridge, thereby transcending a conventional limitationand enabling uses that are impossible under limitations that arecurrently accepted as natural and unavoidable.

[0172] Scope—Variations in Construction

[0173] Several embodiments are shown having variations in shape and sizeof the tie. The forms shown should not be construed as limitations onthe scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of severalpreferred embodiments. Other embodiments are possible. The tie may bemade of any size or shape, or any color or likeness. The support elementneed not be flat, but may be pillow-like, or rope-like, or like a stringof beads. The backing support element has been shown to be flexible, buta rigid or semi-rigid support element having a folding zone would alsosuffice for the requirements of the present invention. The embodimentsof the tie incorporating a twist/fold zone show a single flexibleconnecting loop providing the twisting properties, but such spanning mayalso be provided by one or more filamentous connectors, or by one ormore narrow, flexible connectors between discontinuous segments of thetie.

[0174] The flexible, twisting-spanning element across the gap betweenadjacent discontinuous tie segments has been shown joining adjacentedges, but such a spanning element could just as well connect adjacentnon-contiguous segments of the support element at their centers, or atthe corners, or both, to provide a tie according to the presentinvention. The discontinuous segments of the backing element have beenshown spanned by a single spanning element, but such discontinuoussegments may be interconnected by multiple spanning elements as well.The areas of gendered fastener members on the support element may be ofany size or number, and may be formed as a laminate joined to thesupport element by adhesive, sewing, welding, or any other method ofaffixing the layer containing the releasable touch-surface fastener tothe support element. Alternatively, the fields of gendered fastenermembers may be formed as a structure unitary with the support element,or may be twisted as spiral strands in a foldable, rope-like, supportelement.

[0175] The tie may be wrapped to close, as well as folded to close.

[0176] The tie can have infinite variations in form, construction andcomponents, so long as it has a foldable support element having aplurality of opposing major sides, and has at least two male fasteningmembers on respective opposing major sides of the support element and atleast two female fastening members on respective opposing major sides ofthe support element. This enables one or more of the male fasteningmembers to be detachably connected to one or more of the femalefastening members, to form one or more releasable couples when thesupport element is folded to place one or more of the male fasteningmembers in contact with one or more of the female fastening members.

[0177] The opposing sides of the tie need not be identical, or evenapproximate one another. The two joining surfaces on the same side anddivided by the fold need not be identical, or even similar to oneanother, but may have greatly different arrangements of the genderedfastening members, thereby imparting differing interfacial couplingbehavior when the tie is selectively folded across different folds. Thepattern of the fasteners may be arranged in regular, repeating arrays,or may be arranged freely, or to convey an image or a pattern. Colorsmay be added for decoration, or to create an image or pattern.

[0178] The surface fasteners used for the tie may be male and femalefasteners, as previously outlined, or hermaphroditic as well, so long asboth coupling members are present on opposing sides of the tie, with thecoupling members on the same side located equidistant from a fold zone.

[0179] The tie may be assigned meaningful variations in color, size,shape, etc. to provide informational or labeling properties useful toorganizing and managing moveable articles. The label of the tie may beintegral with the support element, or may take the form ofthree-dimensional pads attached to the tie. The labels may conveyvisible and human-readable code, such as recognizable images, numbers,or letters, or may also convey machine-readable code, including suchtechniques as code imaging, reflectance, fluorescence, etc.

[0180] In addition to using direct force of fingers to achieve foldingclosure, the tie may incorporate, for example, a spring-like closuremechanism (not shown), providing a self-folding function. Othermodifications, such as folding securement flaps (not shown), or clips(not shown), may be added to provide for operation of closure, orsecurement of closure. Tabs for grasping (not shown), may be added foruse in opening of the tie. Ties, pins, or clips (not shown) may be addedto the tie to provide an additional way to attach the tie to the heldarticle, or to anchor the tie, or attach it to another tie. Additionalmodifications, such as ornamentation for amusement or aesthetic value,may also be readily made to the present tie. Tags may be attached to thetie. The tie may be separate from the article to be held, or it may betemporarily or permanently affixed to the article.

[0181] The usefulness of the folding tie for electrical wires or networkcables is apparent, but the tie is also useful for any elongate,flexible article, including hose, tubing, twine, rope, plants, and thelike. In addition to the management of flexible articles, there isapplication of the tie to rigid and semi-rigid elongate articles, suchas rods, pipes or poles. Suchlike articles may be organized, connected,identified, ornamented, and secured together with one or more foldingties. The ties also hold and secure easy-to-lose components andaccessories, which may be joined together in clusters and anchored forkeeping.

[0182] Being of any size or shape, the tie has the ability to hold andanchor any and all solid moveable articles, without regard to theirsize, shape, or flexibility; hence the uses for the tie are not limitedto electronics, but include medical, entertainment, industrial,shipping, transportation, construction, apparel, decor, manufacturing,forestry, farm, military, police, or ranch applications; wherevermoveable articles of any sort need management and organization includinglabeling, securement, or anchoring.

[0183] The tie may be used as a wearable item, such as may be attachedto a belt, and used to hold articles alongside the wearer. The tie mayalso be used as a temporary jig for holding articles to be assembled.The tie may be used for bandaging, or animal restraint. The folding tiewill secure, anchor, and label any solid thing of any shape or size.

[0184] The usefulness of a foldable surface having both genders of atouch-surface fastener on opposing sides is previously unappreciated.The folding tie constitutes a new, double-sided, pseudohermaphroditic,article management tool which may be made from common hook-and-loopfasteners. The seemingly obvious need for weak securement, andclustering, has been unaddressed prior to the present. The folding tiefulfills these seen and unseen needs with unusual functionality and easeof use.

[0185] Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be determined notby the embodiments presented for illustrative purposes, but rather bythe scope of the appended claims and their structural and functionalequivalents.

I claim:
 1. A folding tie, comprising: a) a foldable support elementhaving a plurality of opposing major sides; b) at least two malefastening members on said opposing major sides of said support element,respectively; and c) at least two female fastening members on saidopposing major sides of said support element, respectively; whereby,when said support element is folded, at least one of said femalefastening members, will be detachably joined to at least one of saidfemale fastening members to form a releasable couple.
 2. The folding tieof claim 1, further including a label surface on one of said opposingmajor sides of said tie.
 3. The folding tie of claim 1 wherein saidfastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
 4. Thefolding tie of claim 1 further including; a) at least one discontinuitybetween segments of said support element; and b) at least one spanningelement, spanning said discontinuity, and interconnecting said segmentsof said support element.
 5. A method for managing at least one moveablearticle, comprising: a) providing at least one folding tie, said tieincluding a foldable support element having a plurality of opposingmajor sides and having at least two male fastening members on saidopposing major sides of said support element, respectively, and havingat least two female fastening members on said opposing major sides ofsaid support element, respectively; and b) folding said support elementaround said moveable article for detachably connecting at least one ofsaid male fastening members to at least one of said female fasteningmembers for providing a releasable couple which holds said supportelement in folded form around said moveable article, thereby to enfoldand hold said article to effect organization and detachable securementthereof.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said male and female fasteningmembers comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, further including a label surface on one of said major sides ofsaid tie.
 8. The method of claim 5, further including; a) at least onediscontinuity between segments of said support element; and b) at leastone spanning element, spanning said discontinuity and interconnectingsaid segments of said support element.
 9. A folding tie, comprising: a)a foldable support element having a plurality of opposing major sides;b) said support element having at least two arms radiating from a commonpoint; and c) at least two male fastening members on said opposing majorsides of said support element, respectively; and d) at least two femalefastening members on said opposing major sides of said support element,respectively; whereby, when said support element is folded, said one ofsaid male fastening members will be detachably connected to said one ofsaid female fastening members to form a releasable couple.
 10. Thefolding tie of claim 9 wherein said arms are furcated.
 11. The foldingtie of claim 9, further including a label surface on one of said majorsides of said tie.
 12. The folding tie of claim 9 wherein said male andfemale fastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.13. The folding tie of claim 9 further including; a) at least onediscontinuity between segments of said support element; and b) at leastone spanning element, spanning said discontinuity, and interconnectingsaid segments of said support element.
 14. A folding tie, comprising: a)a sheet-like foldable support element having a plurality of opposingmajor sides; b) each of said major sides of said support element havingat least two male fastening members on said opposing sides of saidsupport element, respectively; and c) each of said major sides of saidsupport element having at least two female fastening members on saidopposing sides of said support element, respectively; whereby, when saidsupport element is folded, said one of said male fastening members willbe detachably connected to said one of said female fastening members toform a releasable couple.
 15. The folding tie of claim 14, furtherincluding a label surface on one of said opposing major sides of saidtie.
 16. The folding tie of claim 14 wherein said male and femalefastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
 17. Afolding tie, comprising: a) a foldable support element having aplurality of opposing major sides; b) at least one of said opposingmajor sides of said support element conveying an image; and c) at leasttwo male fastening members on said opposing major sides of said supportelement, respectively; and d) at least two female fastening members onsaid opposing major sides of said support element, respectively;whereby, when said support element is folded, said one of said malefastening members will be detachably connected to said one of saidfemale fastening members to form a releasable couple.
 18. The tie ofclaim 17, further including a label surface on one of said opposingmajor sides of said tie.
 19. The tie of claim 17 wherein said male andfemale fastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.20. The tie of claim 17, further including a decorative component on atleast one of said major opposing sides of said tie.